First Days

Already this has been an adventure for us all. Our time spent at the school, with each other, working on the project and with our host families has been a blessing. Yesterday we went to the school for chapel, orientation and to begin the project. We were introduced first to the younger students and then to the older ones (jr high-early high school). Watching the kids worship God with extreme enthusiasm in a different language was a great reminder of the transcendence of God's glory above all. After worshipping, they brought us up to say hello to the students. Afterwards, about 15 of the little kids came up to us. They took turns praying for us in French. The prayers of children are a beautiful thing in any language. We noticed that they each addressed God as "Signeur" which is like saying "Sir." They also use the informal when speaking to him. That was pretty fascinating. The older kids did the same thing and prayed for us and for the project at their chapel. Afterwards, we were introduced to the project and to the organization. Matt Bullock is our project leader and he has been incredibly helpful in everything. Soon we were ready to begin. Yesterday in a few (very long) hours we took the ceilings out of four cabins, removed the dirt, began digging trenches for a bathroom, cleaned the roof and did a few other tasks. I do not think we ever been more dirty in our lives. The work was somewhat grueling but we left that evening satisfied by the day's accomplishments. We were relieved with some afternoon showers though the weather never got to be too warm or humid. We each went back to our host families and enjoyed the night with them. All of us had incredible home-cooked meals and some wonderful fellowship. Michelle and I enjoyed ratatouille (a common French dish) and a Moroccan dish with some Moroccan tea. It was delicious! We also enjoyed a Bible study with the family and some great time of talking and laughing. It doesn't get dark until around 10:15pm so we went to sleep just afterwards. We were very exhausted.

Today has been an easier day as far as the work goes. So far we have taken down lots of wood beams, demolished a concrete wall and removed the rubble, cleaned out the remainder of the rooms, continued on the roof and trenches and are now enjoying a lunch break. We eat at the same time as the kids so after eating from the wonderful spread they put before us (wonderful breads, cheeses, meats and veggies), we have an opportunity to play soccer and volleyball with the students. The school is in a chateau-it's incredible! We meet at the very top of the building and have to climb up a narrow winding staircase to the third floor each time, but it's a beautiful place to be. I've learned more about the school and it's a wonderful place. The family that I am staying with was given acceptance though they weren't able to pay the tuition when they first moved to France from England. They have three kids at the school right now and have been there for a few years. They love that it's a family for them and that their kids can grow up knowing Jesus.

Thanks for your prayers and we would ask for continuous prayers for safety, health (Christine was pretty ill yesterday but is doing much better now), good conversations with our French brothers and sisters, opportunities for evangelism and strength and endurance. God bless you all!